Intro to Prints: Inspired by Union Market DC

Intro to Prints: Inspired by Union Market DC

It’s official: the muted monochromatic look is dead. It’s not surprising considering the biggest Spring/Summer ’17 runway trends all showcased bolder and brighter looks. The days are getting longer, warmer, and full of a lot more fun. Suddenly, all those neutrals in your closet are looking kind of depressing. With Memorial Day weekend officially kicking off barbecue season, it’s the perfect time to dive into brighter and busier palettes! To that end, prints are your new best friend.

I love a good print, but I know plenty of people who won’t venture out further than plaid or polka dots. Busy prints don’t have to be so intimidating! I recently visited Union Market, which is a renovated warehouse that hosts dozens of different food and art pop-up shops. It’s a great place to relax on a warm day with its open floor plan, ping-pong tables, and awesome murals. In honor of Union Market’s infamous heart wall, here are some quick tips on branching out into prints.

Pair your prints with a neutral.
If you’re uncomfortable wearing prints, follow the KISS method of getting started—Keep It Simple, Stupid! A neutral color like black or white helps tone down the print’s volume and instantly looks chic. Try pulling out one of the neutral colors in your print for a cohesive look.

Use stripes to accentuate your figure
An easy print to start with is stripes! Vertical stripes make you look longer, so try a vertical striped pant like these from ASOS to make your legs look long and lean. Thin horizontal stripes are universally flattering on any body shape. Avoid very thick horizontal stripes, as these can make you look wider.

Don’t be afraid to have fun with it!
Forget everything you’ve ever heard about not mixing prints. Don’t be afraid to have fun with it! Try mixing a busy print with a small print like on this dres from ASOS.

Are you going to wear prints this summer? How do you feel about mixing prints? Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and remember to subscribe or follow me on instagram for more #styleinspo!